Varanasi-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Varanasi

  • Places to Visit:
    • Arrive at Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport (VNS) or take a train to Varanasi Junction Railway Station
    • Check-in at your hotel and rest for a bit
    • Head to the Ganges River and watch the sunset at Assi Ghat, a quieter spot with fewer crowds than other ghats
  • Activities:
    • Take a stroll along the riverfront and take in the sights and sounds of the city
    • Visit the nearby Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the most sacred Shiva temples in India (Note: women are not allowed inside the temple, but can view it from outside)
  • Where to Eat:
    • Try some local street food at the Assi Ghat food stalls or at a local restaurant like Ganga Aarti Cafe for some delicious and authentic North Indian cuisine
  • Where to Stay:
    • Hotel Tiger Inn is a great budget option with clean rooms and a good location
    • Hotel Raj Tilak offers mid-range accommodations with comfortable rooms and a peaceful atmosphere
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the city, especially during peak season (February-May)
    • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or interacting with locals
  • Transportation:
    • Hire an auto-rickshaw or take a cycle rickshaw to get around the city
    • Use the city’s public transportation system, including buses and tempos (three-wheeled vehicles)
  • Tips and Other Things of Interest:
    • Try some local specialties like kachoris (spicy savory pastries) and jalebis (deep-fried sweet treats)
    • Visit the nearby Sarnath Temple, a major Buddhist site with ancient ruins and artifacts

Day 2: Exploring Varanasi

  • Places to Visit:
    • Start the day at the Man Mandir Ghat, one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi
    • Take a boat ride along the Ganges River (approximately ₹100-200 per person)
    • Visit the nearby Tulsipur Palace, a 17th-century palace with beautiful architecture and gardens
  • Activities:
    • Explore the narrow streets and alleys of Old City, known as the “Old Town”
    • Visit the local markets and shops to buy some souvenirs or try some street food
  • Where to Eat:
    • Try some delicious street food at the Chandni Chowk market or at a local restaurant like Hotel Ganga Deluxe
  • Where to Stay:
    • Hotel Ganges View offers mid-range accommodations with comfortable rooms and a great view of the river
    • Hotel Sangam is a budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a peaceful atmosphere
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the city, especially during peak season (February-May)
    • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or interacting with locals
  • Transportation:
    • Hire an auto-rickshaw or take a cycle rickshaw to get around the city
    • Use the city’s public transportation system, including buses and tempos (three-wheeled vehicles)
  • Tips and Other Things of Interest:
    • Visit the nearby Ramnagar Fort, a 17th-century fort with beautiful architecture and gardens
    • Try some local specialties like pani-puri (spicy savory pastries) and kulfi (a type of Indian ice cream)

Day 3: Spiritual Varanasi

  • Places to Visit:
    • Start the day at the Dum Dama Ghat, one of the most famous ghats in Varanasi
    • Take a boat ride along the Ganges River (approximately ₹100-200 per person)
    • Visit the nearby Bharat Mata Temple, a temple dedicated to India’s Mother Goddess
  • Activities:
    • Attend the Ganga Aarti ceremony, a beautiful and spiritual ritual performed on the riverbank (approximately 6 pm every evening)
    • Explore the nearby temples and shrines, such as the Shri Sankatmochan Temple or the Hanuman Garhi Mandir
  • Where to Eat:
    • Try some delicious street food at the Assi Ghat market or at a local restaurant like Hotel Shivsagar
  • Where to Stay:
    • Hotel Sangam offers budget-friendly accommodations with clean rooms and a peaceful atmosphere
    • Hotel Ganges View is a mid-range option with comfortable rooms and a great view of the river
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the city, especially during peak season (February-May)
    • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or interacting with locals
  • Transportation:
    • Hire an auto-rickshaw or take a cycle rickshaw to get around the city
    • Use the city’s public transportation system, including buses and tempos (three-wheeled vehicles)
  • Tips and Other Things of Interest:
    • Visit the nearby Ramnagar Fort, a 17th-century fort with beautiful architecture and gardens
    • Try some local specialties like jalebis (deep-fried sweet treats) or pani-puri (spicy savory pastries)

Day 4: Exploring Sarnath

  • Places to Visit:
    • Take a day trip to Sarnath, a major Buddhist site with ancient ruins and artifacts
    • Visit the nearby Dhamekh Stupa, a sacred Buddhist monument where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon
    • Explore the local markets and shops, such as the Sarnath Handicrafts or the Tibetan Market
  • Activities:
    • Attend the daily Buddhist Puja ceremony at the nearby Dhamekh Temple (approximately 7 am every morning)
    • Visit the nearby Ashoka Pillar, a beautiful ancient monument with intricate carvings and inscriptions
  • Where to Eat:
    • Try some delicious street food at the local markets or at a restaurant like Hotel Sarnath Regency
  • Where to Stay:
    • Hotel Sangam offers budget-friendly accommodations with clean rooms and a peaceful atmosphere
    • Hotel Ganges View is a mid-range option with comfortable rooms and a great view of the river
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in Sarnath, especially during peak season (February-May)
    • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or interacting with locals
  • Transportation:
    • Hire an auto-rickshaw or take a cycle rickshaw to get around the city
    • Use the city’s public transportation system, including buses and tempos (three-wheeled vehicles)
  • Tips and Other Things of Interest:
    • Visit the nearby Ramnagar Fort, a 17th-century fort with beautiful architecture and gardens
    • Try some local specialties like kulfi (a type of Indian ice cream) or pani-puri (spicy savory pastries)

Day 5: Last Day in Varanasi

  • Places to Visit:
    • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs at the local markets, such as the Chaukhandi market or the Tibetan Market
    • Visit the nearby Ghats, a series of riverfront temples and shrines along the Ganges River (approximately ₹100-200 per person)
  • Activities:
    • Attend the daily Aarti ceremony at one of the ghats, such as the Dashashwamedh Ghat or the Man Mandir Ghat
    • Explore the nearby temples and shrines, such as the Shri Sankatmochan Temple or the Hanuman Garhi Mandir
  • Where to Eat:
    • Try some delicious street food at one of the local markets or at a restaurant like Hotel Shivsagar
  • Where to Stay:
    • Hotel Sangam offers budget-friendly accommodations with clean rooms and a peaceful atmosphere
    • Hotel Ganges View is a mid-range option with comfortable rooms and a great view of the river
  • Things to Know:
    • Be prepared for crowds and chaos in the city, especially during peak season (February-May)
    • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting temples or interacting with locals
  • Transportation:
    • Hire an auto-rickshaw or take a cycle rickshaw to get around the city
    • Use the city’s public transportation system, including buses and tempos (three-wheeled vehicles)
  • Tips and Other Things of Interest:
    • Visit the nearby Ramnagar Fort, a 17th-century fort with beautiful architecture and gardens
    • Try some local specialties like jalebis (deep-fried sweet treats) or pani-puri (spicy savory pastries)

Note: The itinerary is just a suggestion and can be customized according to your preferences and interests. Also, the prices mentioned are approximate and may vary depending on the time of year and other factors.